Why S&T

Why S&T?

Crafting precision that responds to a user's needs with elegance, takes relationships cultivated on an authentic understanding.

To achieve this, we rely on our position as a multi-disciplinary Architecture and Building Services Engineering practice to create a working culture that balances creativity with practicality. This methodology leads us to take a holistic approach and focus on the ideal of an integrated, total building.

As an S&T client, you’ll discover that our Architectural, Engineering and BIM services will shape effortlessly around your needs. We can be a one-stop-shop or provide specific deliverables.

Engage us with the assurance that behind everything we do is a foundation of resources and systems to support on time delivery, budget adherence and accurate documentation.

Share your challenges and know that we expect our people to be accountable and committed in maintaining best practice standards, because beyond all else, these are the principles that are at the heart of our client promise.

We are the sum of our parts.

Behind our reputation for detail-orientated contemporary buildings is a tight-knit collective of 85+ professionals based in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Taranaki.

Passionate about pushing the boundaries of design, we believe that understanding and imagination are our most important work tools and we utilize these to fulfil our mission of adding value to our clients, community and industry.

We design buildings that extend beyond their physical boundaries, to enrich the environment in which they sit, be it natural, social or cultural, to craft something of real, lasting value.

We are experts in social architecture, specialising in healthcare, education, commercial and civic institutions, with a standing in the market verified by the awards we have gathered.

Back to the beginning...

Our origin story lies with Australia and Sir Arthur Stephenson’s simple desire to revolutionise the potential of hospital establishments. His passion founded the company in 1922, amalgamating the exactitude of the engineering team with the splendour of the architectural field. The Centennial Exhibition of 1940 saw our venture into New Zealand with the modernist the Australian Pavillion, yet it was only in 1956 that the first office found solid ground.

“The practice is at its best when it follows the dictates of its Modernist philosophy... an approach to architecture that is functional, well-crafted and economical.”

David Kernohan, The Architecture of Stephenson & Turner New Zealand – A Critique

S&T’s career has established icons. Shell House’s innovative glass and aluminium façade stands as an example of the 1960’s and the Zen-like simplicity of the BNZ Wellington echoes the trends of the 1980’s, while the PwC Tower in 2002 shows a shift in our sensibilities to energy saving solutions and respectful contribution to the existing cityscape. We are acutely aware that our work has long-term consequences and as such should be enterprises that stand the test of time. The University of Auckland Medical School, completed in 1974, exemplified S&T’s capacity for planning with endurance, being designed with an extensive construction period in mind and using minimal maintenance materials that would be readily available in the future. We are proud to be a part of shaping this country’s presence with the 20 year expansion plan for Auckland Airport giving us an opportunity like no other. Keeping design flexibility at the forefront, S&T melded a distinct New Zealand flavour in to every aspect of the build, with both the interior and exterior echoing the themes of coastlines and sea; sails and rigging.